FLY FILMMAKING CHALLENGE 2014: FIVE SEATTLE-BASED PRODUCTION COMPANIES TO CREATE "SEATTLE, I LOVE YOU" SHORT FILMS FOR SIFF 2014

SEATTLE, WA - SIFF is proud to present the 2014 Fly Filmmaking Challenge, a short film competition premiering annually at the Festival that asks filmmakers to condense their process into a tight production schedule with limitations imposed on their time, funds, and other resources. This year, we've changed things up a bit: Instead of focusing on individual directors, we're challenging five local production companies to create short films inspired by the theme "Seattle, I Love You."

This year's shift in focus recognizes the efforts of Commercialize Seattle, a new business campaign by Washington Filmworks in partnership with the Seattle Office of Film + Music designed to drive local film production and make Seattle a top destination for commercial film production. This year's participants are five outstanding Seattle-based production companies that are all a strong part of the Commercialize Seattle efforts. This competition gives each company full creative license to create a short film that will build their profile among the national film industry as well as to general audiences in Seattle.

Carl Spence, SIFF's Artistic Director, says "I'm really excited about this innovation to the Fly Filmmaking Challenge. It's just the right moment to recognize the world-class production companies of Seattle and their impact on the greater film community."

Each production company will create a 5 - 7 minute film within a three month timeframe, January 15 - April 15. The film must be a self-contained love story that uses Seattle as a character, background, or inspiration. All films must also incorporate one of five Festival venues (SIFF Cinema Uptown, Egyptian Theatre, Moore Theater, Cinerama, or SIFF Film Center) in some way. The production companies will also have access to the Bad Animals facility for post-production sound design, the Seattle Composers Alliance to create original music, the Seattle Office of Film + Music for facility and locations permits, and SAG/AFTRA for a consultation on their short film agreement.

The finished films will premiere at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival on Monday, May 26, 2014. Dustin Kaspar, SIFF's Education Programs Manager, says, "SIFF has long been committed to supporting filmmakers from the Washington State film community. Our 40th anniversary gives us the opportunity to showcase their unique visions. The production companies are pulling out all the stops, and early creative discussions point toward this celebration of Seattle and cinema as a not-to-be-missed event at SIFF 2014."

B47 Studios features an award-winning team of directors, designers, creatives, and technical producers overseeing video productions and webcasts across all locations and genres. Their production repertoire includes commercial, industrial, case studies, product promotion, documentaries, corporate communications, live event coverage, original and branded entertainment content.

Digital Kitchen's unique approach of blending digital, film, experiential design and rich brand storytelling provides creative business solutions for a roster of clients. Founded in 1995, the award-winning agency features a collective of artists and producers that focus on the creation of integrated connections between brands and consumers. The agency has received acclaim for its opening title sequences including "True Blood," "Dexter," "Six Feet Under" and "Nip/Tuck."

ForeignAmerican Pictures boasts a crossbreed of skill-sets, ranging from graphic design and motion graphics to directing, producing, editing and illustration. They aim to create memorable stories with authentic performances that resonate on a human level. Since its formation in 2003, ForeignAmerican Pictures has released two feature films, Agave and Apart From That, and has done commercial work for clients ranging from Starbucks to Walt Disney.

Launched in 2007, We Are Royale creates designs that transcend medium and technology to invent creative solutions for their clients. Their collective of directors, designers, animators, developers, editors, and producers are all led by the single vision of creating engaging experiences that influence the behavior of audiences and make them smile in the process. Past clients include Oreo, Toyota, and Nike.

Since its launch in 2005, World Famous has been dedicated to crafting visual storytelling that embraces live action, animation, and creative advertising. Their inventive staff of directors, designers, musicians, and artists tirelessly work to stay up-to-date on developing trends and technologies. World Famous has been spotlighted by the Northwest's most important tastemakers and recently won the prestigious Best of Show ADDY Awards in Washington and Utah.

About SIFF

Founded in 1976, SIFF creates experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 150,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 250 features and 150 short films from over 70 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 365 days a year on four screens at the SIFF Film Center and the historic SIFF Cinema Uptown, reaching more than 100,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 11,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year.

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SIFF's mission is to create experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world. It is through the art of cinema that we foster a community that is more informed, aware, and alive.